Safety device for tanks



Dec. 1, 1925- T. THOMAS SAFETY DEVICE FOR TANKS Filed June 17, 1925 Patented Dec. 1, 1925.

PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS THOMAS, OF SGRAN'ION, PENNSYLVANIA.

SAFETY :oEvIoE Eon-TANKS.

Application filed June 1'7, 1925. Serial No. 37,808.

To all whomz't may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS THOMAS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Scranton, in the county of Lackawanna and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Safety Devices for Tanks, of which the following is a specification.

The object is the provision of a fire proof filter for tanks containing explosive liquids which is characterized by simplicity in its construction and reliability and efiiciency in practical use.

To the attainment of the foregoing the invention consists in the improvement as hereinafter described and definitely claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an approximately central vertical longitudinal sectional view through the filter in applied position.

Figure 2 is a sectional View on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view on the line 33 of Figure 1.

In Figure 1' of the drawings a gasoline or other explosive liquid tank is-indicated by the numeral 1. The tank is provided with the usual filler opening that is surrounded by outwardly directed interiorly threaded flange 2. Screwed in the flange 2 there is the threaded portion 3 of a flanged collar 1 providing an element of the improvement. The shoulder of the collar rests on the flange 2. The collar has secured to its bore, or if desired formed therewith, a tubular member 5. The member 5 has its lower open end flanged inwardly, as at 6. Resting on this flange there is the lower perforated disc or plate 7 of a receptacle 8 for a filtering medium 9. The top of the receptacle 8 is also perforated, as at 10.

The collar 1, at its juncture with its sleeve extension l, is formed with an inwardly directed shoulder 11. This shoulder is normally contacted by one end of. a cylindrical member 12. The member 12 has both of its ends reduced to form shoulders on which rest closely woven mesh plates 13. The inner end of the sleeve 12 has secured thereto a transverse plate 14: provided with a boss 15. Surrounding the boss is one end of a helical spring 16, the opposite end of which resting on the top of the receptacle 8.

The usual closure cap 17 is screwed in the sleeve 4.

When gasoline or like vfluid is poured into the tank 1 the nozzle end will rest on the upper screen of the slidable member 12. The gasoline will flow through both of the screens of the said member and through the filtering medium in the receptacle 8. Of course, the weight of the gasoline and the weight of the nozzle resting on the slidable member 12 will force the same in the tube to approximately the dotted line position in Figure 1. The fluid entering the tank is thoroughly filtered. Should the vapor explode on the outside of the tank the fire excluding screens 13 in the member 12 will prevent fire entering the said tank. As soon as the pressure of the delivery nozzle is relieved therefrom the member 12 will be influenced by the spring 16 to initial position.

WVhile I have illustrated a satisfactory embodiment of my improved device my features of invention are capable of extended application and I do not wish to be limited to the specific structure shown and described.

Having described the invention, I claim 1. In combination with the supply tank for gasoline or other explosive liquids, of a safety filtering spout therefor, including a tubular member removably secured in the filler opening of the tank, an apertured receptacle for a filtering medium at the bottom of the tube, a hollow slidable member at the top of the tube having closely woven wire mesh at the ends thereof, spring means influencing the last mentioned member in an upward direction in the sleeve and a remov able closure for the tube. 2

2. In a device for the purpose set forth, and the combination with a supply tank for gasoline or other explosive liquids, comprising a threaded sleeve screwed in the inlet of the supply tank and having a tube extending therefrom and the said tube having its outer end flanged inwardly, said sleeve having a shoulder with which the opposite end of the tube contacts, an apertured receptacle resting on the lower flange of the tube and having arranged therein a filtering medium, a tubular slidable member in the sleeve having its ends depressed to provide seats, closely Woven Wire discs secured on the seats, a boss carrying plate secured centrally on the in ner end of the slidable-member, and a comparatively light helical spring surrounding the boss, received in the tube and contacting the top of the upertured receptacle in com- 1 bination with a closure for the sleeve.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

THOMAS THOMAS. 

